Parking FAQ
VEHICLE ASSISTANCE
What should I do if my automobile breaks down on campus?
Move your vehicle to the nearest unreserved parking space. Report the vehicle immediately to Campus Police at 919-515-3000 and Transportation at 919-515-3424. Inoperable vehicles left unattended or standing in driveways, driving lines, tow lanes, “No Parking” areas, or Reserved spaces are subject to being fined and towed. The owner is responsible for removing the vehicle within the time Transportation requires.
Is my car safe on campus?
Statistically, the campus has relatively low crime – most crimes are “crimes of opportunity.” Our parking lots are well-lighted, and the campus is patrolled by our campus police. Reduce your risk by ALWAYS locking your vehicle. Secondly, don’t leave any valuable items on the car seats (in plain sight), and if you must leave valuables in your vehicle, lock them in the trunk.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
I have a North Carolina handicap placard. Do I need a parking permit to park in a handicapped space on campus?
Yes, vehicles parked in a handicapped/accessible space during enforcement hours must have valid university parking credentials. Mobility-impaired faculty, staff, and students with a valid state-issued handicap placard must complete an application for a permit and submit a copy of their placard. Visit the Accessibility Parking page for accessibility policies, procedures, and more.
GENERAL
Why do I have to pay for parking? What is the money used for?
As an auxiliary service, NC State Transportation is solely financially responsible for the construction, maintenance, and management of all on-campus parking facilities. Auxiliary units do not receive any financial support from the University or the State of North Carolina. Parking permit fees are calculated based on our annual operating budget, including but not limited to maintenance (repair and renovation), encumbering funds for the construction of future parking facilities, and all personnel required to manage 20,000 parking spaces.
Where is my permit valid?
You can see all of the available lots for your permit by using our interactive parking map.
When will I receive my parking permit?
You will not receive or need to pick up a physical permit; your vehicle’s license plate will serve as your permit.
ENFORCEMENT
Where can I find your enforcement rules and fines?
Review the rules, fines, and towing policy, as well as the link to the Official University Policy and NC Statutes.
When is a parking permit or pay-by-plate payment required?
A parking permit or pay-by-plate payment is required anytime the University is open for business. Parking permits and pay-by-plate payments are not required on the following official University holidays and closings:
New Year’s Day | Wednesday, January 1, 2025 |
MLK Jr. Day | Monday, January 20, 2025 |
Memorial Day | Monday, May 27, 2024 |
Independence Day | Thursday, July 4, 2024 |
Labor Day | Monday, September 2, 2024 |
Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 28, 2024 |
Day After Thanksgiving | Friday, November 29, 2024 |
Winter Break University Closure | Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – Tuesday, December 31, 2024 |
Adverse Weather Condition 2 or 3 | As determined and announced by the Chancellor or Provost |
Please note that reserved parking spaces are enforced twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, including official University holidays and closings. This includes AS, LZ, SV, UV, RD, ADA, reserved visitor spaces, and otherwise reserved spaces/areas.
Can I park in the park and ride lots overnight?
For safety and security, overnight parking is not permitted in the park and ride lots.
Is it necessary to have a permit while I am unloading or loading items at my residence hall?
If you are loading or unloading your vehicle during parking enforcement hours, you must display a valid loading/unloading permit. Permits are available at the Transportation office or the Visitor Information Booth on Main Campus. Unloading permits are valid for a designated time period at specified spaces throughout campus or at loading docks; they are never valid in AS, A4, SV, pay lots, “Accessible Parking” areas, “No Parking” areas, reserved lots/spaces, or metered spaces. Check for guidelines during official move-in dates.
Where can I read Official University Transportation Policies or NC Statutes?
Read Official Transportation Policies on the main NC State University Website.
I have an off-peak permit. What does that mean?
An off-peak permit allows you to park on campus between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the following areas: Coliseum “CD” Deck, Dan Allen “DD” Deck, West “W” Deck, Partners Way Deck, Monteith Research Center Deck, Toxicology Deck, Centennial Biomedical Campus (CBC) Deck, CBC North Lot, CBC Annex Lot, or the Fringe Lots.
VISITORS/PAY BY PLATE
Do Visitors of NC State University need a parking permit?
Yes, individual visitors may purchase daily permits for $15.00 per day at the NC State University Transportation Office located at 2721 Sullivan Drive. Transportation Customer Service operates from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visitors may also park at any Pay-by-Plate or pay lot. Pay lots are located on the first level of the Dan Allen Deck, in the Coliseum Deck, and the two lower levels of the Partners Way Deck on Centennial Campus. View Pay Lot and Pay-by-Plate fees.
How much is hourly parking?
$3 for the first hour or any portion of, $2 for every additional hour or portion of.
How can I pay for hourly parking?
Use the ParkMobile app. View the ParkMobile flyer for more information, and download the app to get started.
I mistakenly purchased parking using ParkMobile when I didn’t need it. Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue refunds for hourly parking.
Can I reserve a parking spot using ParkMobile?
Because the parking lots are set up as zones, parking is on-demand only. You cannot reserve a space ahead of time.